The German Music Council is urging Germany’s new federal government and state policymakers to confront a worsening shortage of music educators that threatens music instruction in schools and public music schools nationwide.
Deutscher Musikrat reported that music education strengthens linguistic, social and health-related skills while opening spaces where cognitive, emotional, social and creative processes interact. The organization said the shortage of qualified professionals in both schools and music schools is causing the foundation of Germany’s vibrant music scene to crumble.
The council called for preserving music as an independent school subject, integrating amateur music into full-day care starting in August 2026, and expanding training programs with clear pathways for career changers to address the teacher shortage. It also recommended increased funding for education and participation to give children in vulnerable circumstances better access to music education.
Deutscher Musikrat said fair and transparent fees are a key prerequisite for ensuring quality and long-term viability of music education. The organization noted that recommendations should apply to publicly funded projects and institutions and be pursued gradually with support from funding agencies.
The council launched a social media campaign on Instagram and TikTok to draw attention to the crisis, and its Federal Expert Committee on Education drafted a position paper outlining comprehensive measures across five key areas of music education.
For more information, visit musikrat.de.